HDHS men retire after long service to school
By Susan Otwell

PHOTO SUBMITTED Larry Foster and Bob Henry were honored recently at a retirement luncheon.

Some people are considered legends in their time. They're the kind of people who leave a positive, favorable and lasting impression on everyone when they retire.

Larry Foster and Bob Henry are two of those kinds of people. Foster and Henry, both employees at Hiwassee Dam High School, were honored recently at a retirement luncheon held at the school's cafeteria. Employees of the school, family and friends were on hand to relate stories about the men and to wish them the best that life has to offer during retirement years.

Henry started driving a bus for the school in 1994. He drove for four years and then spent the last six years as one of the school's custodians. Henry said his most memorable moment was the time he drove a bus back from Atlanta on a return trip from Hawaii. "Ask anyone who went," he chuckled. "They'll know what I'm talking about."

Henry said what he's going to miss most about working for the school system is "…the young 'uns, teachers and everyone else."

Foster, a trade and industrial education teacher, has spent almost 30 years working for the school system. Twenty-five of those years have been at Hiwassee Dam High School. He said he has always operated with the teaching philosophy that he helps students discover where they already "shine". "I just help them to discover their potential and to develop it fully."

Foster's first years were spent working with the handicapped and disadvantaged students. "I've loved helping those students who needed a little more assistance and guidance. To see my exceptional students excel over difficulties and then walk across the stage on graduation night to receive their diploma, I consider my most cherished moments in my teaching career."

What does Foster plan to do now that he's retired? "I've always tried to make life interesting and fun for those around me. Now I'm headed for my own adventure. Helen Keller once said, '…life is a daring adventure or it's nothing.'"